Red Ruby Devon cattle breeders are typical of farmers and smallholders who are being hit by the restrictions imposed following the latest outbreak of foot and mouth disease.
Breed secretary Andrew Lane told CS: “We were just about to embark on their autumn sales with preparations well advanced for the Devon Cattle Breeders’ Society Show and Sale due to be held at Taunton livestock market in mid-October. “There seems little prospect of that sale going ahead until later in the year. It has been re-scheduled for November 22, fingers crossed. The majority of the national pedigree herd spring calves, so the autumn sees a lot of steers and store cattle sold as well as the drafts of pedigree breeding stock. We hope that Defra controls work effectively!”Red Ruby Devon President David Barker, a well known cattle breeder and international cattle judge, said: “Exports of our fantastic breed had just started after a12 year ban into Europe with cattle destined for France, Belgium and Poland. Now it may be some time before we can regain the confidence of our European partners.”The Rare Breeds Survival Trust provides verified information on a wide range of livestock in order that listed breeds may be considered for special protection in the event of a major disease outbreak – this is the basis of the Breeds at Risk Register (BARR). Registration is an essential route to the possibility of protection from culling in the event of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease. To find out more, contact Dr Dawn Teverson on 02476 696551 or dawn.teverson@rbst.org.uk
